Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) Review - 6 Months Later

Long term review of the 2021 Apple TV 4K after 6 months of use, the tops features, what sets it apart from the competition, downsides, and who we recommend should get the Apple TV 4K.

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0:00 - Intro
0:22 - Video streaming format & performance
1:33 - tvOS
3:41 - AppleTV app
6:07 - Save passwords & TV Provider login
6:41 - Input text with iPhone or iPad
7:01 - Siri
8:09 - Apple TV + Apple Ecosystem
8:29 - AirPlay
9:21 - SharePlay
9:52 - Spatial Audio & AirPods
11:06 - Setup process
11:31 - HomeKit & Apple Fitness+
11:58 - Stereo Pair HomePod Minis
12:34 - New Siri remote
13:37 - Apple TV remote app
14:05 - Downsides
14:35 - Price
15:15 - Recommendations

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#AppleTV
#4k
#AppleTV+
#Review

[arrowlogproductions]

I love my Apple TV 4K, by far the best streaming device out there

[ogedayyazic]

I've never felt this much honesty in a review

[rafikz]

I use my Beats headphones everytime I watch something on my Apple TV but not for other people since I live on my own, but because I love to fully immerse myself when I’m watching something, and every little noise can ruin the experience for me (yes I’m very picky, you should see me in movie theatres lol), therefore noise canceling headphones are more than welcome.

[johnsterling]

Okay! This is one of the better reviews I’ve seen out there. Excellent presentation!

Yes, I’m an Apple fanatic and will be upgrading before long to the newest model.

[GracianoEMatos]

I love my Apple TV. I have used other streaming boxes and nothing comes even close. I have one in my house and I bought one for my mothers house so when I go there I can use it also. I love how it integrates with everything I love the old remote but I am considering buying the new one because it looks better.

[wanderingfool]

I’ve got the new AppleTV remote and it’s a big improvement. It’s especially good if you struggled with the touch interface or have Parkinson’s.
Also iTunes extras like different versions of the movie or deleted scenes, are only available through apple devices, even though the AppleTV app is available on smart devices of other brands.

[ys-cal]

Great review as usual. I do want to point out one minor thing which is that the Chromecast with Google TV does show Netflix content in its aggregated playlist. This compatibility with Netflix comes and goes on Google TV but lately it does work.

[mcirone]

Personally, I upgraded from the previous model 4K Apple TV to the latest model for two reasons -

1) most obviously, the new remote
2) if you’re deeply invested in the apple ecosystem, as I am, the addition of CEC control and the ability to send Dolby Atmos Audio to paired OG HomePods is a game-changing feature. This lets me send 5.1/7.1 bitstream from my Xbox series X to the paired HomePods I use with my TV!

[beazdakid]

I have the Apple TV 4K 2017 version I love it. And I use it in my living room everyday. I’m going to get the Apple TV 2021 for my living room and move the other to my room. I love Apple TV and hate using any other streaming. It’s easily the best in the market

[darrenalbertson-digitaldus]

Now Apple needs to add a web browser to the AppleTV OS

[donjuansito]

I have the older Apple TV 4K, was thinking in upgrading to this one, but reviews say they’re aren’t much different so I’m staying put

[ReGo]

Pray you never have audio issues with this box. Worst experience ever with audio delay for seemingly no reason.

[darylandcat]

I just got me and the wife a 2021 Apple TV 4K. It absolutely blows the Roku 4K Ultra we have out of the water. We've been watching a lot of TV+ content, and the picture quality is astounding.

[noinghenah]

Actually I understand why other people feel that the appletv 4k is quite expensive. Because people use appletv while they dont have iphone, dont have airpod, homepod or any other Apple device, thats why they dont see any benefit compared to other competitors. But thats always how Apple devices work, many premium features will only show up when you use in Apple eco system and the experience is far better than the other, just people who already use can understand.

[BigDavos]

Verry good Review! I just recently bought the 4k 2021 edition and Im loving it. I also have a firestick 4k max and now I just use that for Apks. I agree 100 percent on the price, I feel that 150 ish would have been a sweet spot considering I can install APKS.

[TerryManitoba]

Coming from a 10-year-old Apple TV - I needed a new one - "obviously"...

If I were to only need a new remote I figure the $60 price tag would be well worth it. How can a remote control be so great...
1- quickly open a new app with Siri & button location
2 - new trackpad becomes intuitive very fast - may be too sensitive on occasion
3- having a Mute button on it is well worth it - I use it all the time. & not having to dig up the television remote -
4- the size is just right in the hand - the flat sides (ala iPhone 12) are gold - Very ergonomic.
5- Rechargeable battery - hala
6- Being able to easily use the controls (most used are the mute, volume & pause buttons) without requiring to pick the remote up is also nice (for me 50% of the time) Lots of smaller remotes are not so well designed in that way! After a few more days I end up using all of the buttons in that way & less so the trackpad part.
7 The ability to start and shut down Apple TV * television with one power button is great. I use the power button all the time - it is the only remote I need to use now.
8- the backspace button is concave - makes it easier to find as the other buttons are not.
9- If you are scrolling down on a grid of icons and are not sure which one you are currently on - you just need to highly brush the touchpad and the icon will jiggle as you do so. Fn Brilliant...
10 - Build quality is top knock.

For the Apple TV 4K (future proof for newer set & improved resolutions) 32GB- what I like best - in no order
1- Up Next cue.
2- Faster
3- Just better overall
4- Able to lock in playback speed in YT (not able to do that on the old A tv - firestick did not permanently lock it in)
5- TV+ app integration with some other apps


One thing I will miss for ease of use (as on the Fire Stick remote) is to be able to simply with a 2 button press (1 long - 1 short) "save to watch later" a video while browsing on YouTube. With Apple, it is way less easy (more miserable - 8 button press) to do.

A month later for me.

I think it works great overall
I love having the mute button - game-changer when letter ads run their course.
The trackpad is good and I use it a lot - except there ends up being many false actions that occur.
The Siri button is used occasionally and the button location is spot on.

[Max]

I'm using Google Chromecast with Google TV 📺

[maxdondada]

Making regular videos again I see. Much appreciated. Keep 'em coming,

[itz_feley]

I have now the Google Chromecast but I think it lacks totally in performance. I have an iPhone, Airpods Pro, Macbook, so I will sell my Google Chromecast and buy an Apple TV 4K Hdr 32Gb

[donlano]

I've had difficulty with the remote. Has a mind of it own as it takes off while in search mode. Also changes the remote changes my Onkyo receiver to a totally different input randomly.
Sound and picture are great otherwize.